THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TRACTOR SAFETY
- Know your tractor, its implements and how they work. Please read and understand the Operator?s Manual(s) before operating the equipment. Also, keep your equipment in good condition.
- Use ROPS and seat belt whenever and wherever applicable. If your tractor has a fold able ROPS, fold it down only when absolutely neccessary and lock it again as soon as possible. Do not wear the seat belt when the ROPS is folded. Most tractor fatalities are caused by overturns.*
- Be familiar with your terrain and work area ? walk the area first to be sure and drive safely. Use special caution on slopes, slow down for all turns and stay off the highway whenever possible.
- Never start an engine in a closed shed or garage. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless ? and deadly.
- Always keep your PTO properly shielded. Make it a habit to walk around your tractor and PTO driven implement ? never over, through or between the tractor and implement, particularly if either is running. The PTO rotates with enough speed and strength to kill you.
- Keep your hitches low and always on the drawbar. Otherwise, your tractor might flip over backwards.
- Never get off a moving tractor or leave it with its engine running. Shut it down before leaving the seat. A runaway tractor can be extremely dangerous.
- Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Additionally, do not add coolant to the radiator while the engine is hot; hot coolant can erupt and scald.
- Keep all children off and away from your tractor and its implements at all times. Children generally are attracted to tractors and the work they do. However, a tractor?s work is not child?s play. Remember, a child?s disappointment is fleeting, while your memory of his or her injury or death resulting from riding the tractor with you, or being too close, will last a lifetime.
- Never be in a hurry or take chances about anything you do with your tractor. Think safety first, then take your time and do it right.
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
Be thoroughly familiar with the Operator?s Manual(s) for your tractor and any implements before starting up the equipment. Know each control, its location and how it works. Know how to stop the tractor and all implements quickly in the event of an emergency.
ROPS
Many tractor accidents are overturns. They are usually caused by inappropriate speed or application, terrain, inattention, lack of proper ballast, or a combination of these. The use of rollover protective structures (ROPS) and a fastened seat belt has saved many lives. They generally will limit a side overturn to ninety degrees (900) and will provide an important safety zone for the operator provided the operator is wearing the seat belt.
DRESS PROPERLY
Well-fitted, belted clothing is a must. Flared pants, shirt tails, scarves and other loose clothing are too easily (and too often) caught in moving parts or controls. Further protect yourself from this hazard of entanglement by wearing long hair under a hat or net and by avoiding jewelry. Invest in sturdy, safety work shoes or boots with non-skid soles and steel toe caps; wear eye and hearing protection as appropriate or required. Protect yourself from the sun in summer and the cold in winter. Take extra care with cold weather and rain gear. Heavy work gloves are a plus, as are safety goggles or sunglasses with shatter-proof lenses.
CHECK THE WORK AREA
Know in advance where hidden ditches, large rocks, stumps or any other debris is located. Be wary of tall grass ? it can cover hazards. Walk the area first to be sure. Make sure the area is clear of children and animals.
WHO?S YOUR OPERATOR?
Please pay particular attention as to who oper- ates your tractor. For example, someone with a short attention span and a tendency to be irresponsible or a person who is tired are not good candidates. Be sure the operator reads and understands the Operator?s Manual(s); is familiar with the tractor; and is fully aware of his or her responsibilities. Have young operators take the 4-H or FFA Tractor Program for new operators. Be aware of your own responsibilities under OSHA regulations and local laws relating to tractors and their operation.
CHILDREN
Tragedy can occur if operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children generally are attracted to tractors and the work they do.
- Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
- Keep children out of the work area and under the watchful eye of another responsible adult.
- Be alert and shut your tractor down if children enter the work area.
- Never carry children on your tractor. There is no safe place for them to ride. They may fall off and be run over or interfere with your control of the machine.
- Never allow children to operate the tractor even under adult supervision.
- Never allow children to play on the tractor or implement.
- Use extra caution when backing up, look behind and down ? make sure area is clear before moving.
- When parking your tractor, if at all possible, park on flat ground; if not, park across a slope. Set the parking brake(s), lower the implements to the
ground, remove the key from the ignition and lock the cab door (if equipped) and chock the wheels.
SAFETY LABELS
Read and follow the messages they provide for your safety and the safety of others. In particular, be familiar with the Safety Alert symbols: Danger, Warning and Caution.
Start the Engine in a Well-Ventilated Area
Never start or run the engine in a shed or garage unless the door is wide open
and the area well ventilated. CARBON MONOXIDE IS COLOR- LESS, ODORLESS AND DEADLY? Don?t ever start the engine from anywhere other than the seat. You must be firmly seated, seat belt buckled (if your tractor is equipped with ROPS), parking brake(s) on, clutch pedal fully depressed, all controls in neutral, immediate area clear of children, pets and livestock. Before driving off, check all gauges, warning lights and controls and listen for any unusual noises. Be sure the implement is in the proper transport position before shifting into gear.
CONCLUSION
In the final analysis, safety is largely a matter of common sense and patience. A tractor and its attachments are unable to control their own operation, or to choose the environment in which they work. The ultimate responsibility for safe operation lies with you, the operator.
DON'T TAKE CHANCES! READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT CAME WITH THIS TRACTOR WHEN YOU RENTED IT. IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT YOUR RENTAL DEALER TO BE SURE.
I,_____________________________________________________________________________,
Sign Here
(______________________________________________________________________________)
Print Name Here
Date:____________/________________/________________
I Have Read the Above Instructions and Agree That They Will Be Followed carefully. I Also, Agree That The Equipment Will be Used at My Own Risk and Agree to Indemnify All Claims for Damages and Liabilities Resulting From Its Use.
